“I have been writing for 70 years and could never think of mocking martyrs,” he said while addressing a session at the International Urdu Conference in Karachi which concluded on Sunday.

“Since last night, my relatives have been receiving calls from around the world asking if the news is true that Anwar has been taken away.”

The closing ceremony of the International Urdu Festival took place at the YMCA Ground where the stage was graced by a vibrant gathering of writers, poets, and artists.

The conference concluded with a mesmerising performance by renowned Qawwali artists Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad, who enchanted the audience with their Sufi poetry.

The four-day event showcased a variety of performances and readings, highlighting the rich heritage of the Urdu language and its artistic expressions.

“I want to say that I have been writing and reading books for sixty years. I cannot joke about martyrs; I am alive because of them. They have given their lives for me, and I write in their honour,” Maqsood said and apologised if his comments harmed anyone.

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“I cannot even think of saying anything against them. I might speak about the living, but I will not do so in the future. If I have caused anyone pain, I sincerely apologise.”

At the event, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori referred to the conference as the city’s identity, noting, “In a city where there is no electricity, water, gas, or jobs, we still gather today for this Karachi celebration.”

The Sindh governor added that seeing children speak Urdu in schools reinforces “his belief that such conferences should be held twice a year.”